Question

The muscles in my calves are often very stiff and it often
affects the way I walk.

On rare occasions (about twice a year) I will be walking
normally along the pavement, not stressing the muscles at all, when one or both
will suddenly become painful and I have to hobble with one of my legs being too
painful to want to move.

During the weeks of 'healing' afterwards I tend to bind the
muscle with a bandage for support, and hope that the extra strain on the other
leg doesn't put it out of action at the same time.

Is this a normal occurrence, and to be expected as I get older,
or is it a symptom of something that should be investigated?

I also have red flakey patches on my chest which I was told was
seborrheic dermatitis though I think that means, 'we don't know, but have given
it a label to keep you happy, now learn to live with it'.

Answer

Your description suggests that you are getting cramps in the
calf muscles.

This can be very painful and disabling. It is unlikely that
binding the leg will do any good, or prevent cramp.

No, it is not usual to get cramps in the legs, but I doubt that
investigations will be fruitful.

You will probably get help from a physiotherapist or a sports
technician at your local gym.

They will check the mobility of your joints and muscles, and can
advise you how to stretch and exercise safely.

By the way, seborrhoea is a common condition. It's a type of
eczema which most GPs
see every day, so I expect your GP did know.

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